R. Raphael & Sons plc, trading as Raphaels Bank, is a small UK-based independent bank that provides prepaid and credit card services, personal savings products, consumer credit, and a multi-currency ATM network.[1][2] It was established in 1787 by Dutchman Raphael Raphael who moved to London at the start of the Napoleonic wars. The bank was owned by the Raphaels family until 1983 and has been owned by the Lenlyn Holdings plc since 2004.[3]
| Company type | Private company limited |
|---|---|
| Industry | Financial services |
| Founded | 1787 |
| Founder | Raphael Raphael |
| Headquarters | , England, UK |
Key people | J H A Quitter (Chairman) |
| Products | personal savings, multi-currency ATMs, consumer credit, prepaid cards, credit cards |
| £ 20.6 million (2013) | |
| £ 20.6 million (2013) | |
Number of employees | 84 (2013) |
| Parent | Lenlyn Holdings plc |
| Website | raphaelsbank.com |
History
R Raphael & Sons was founded by Dutchman Raphael Raphael, in 1787. Raphael built up a considerable wealth during the Napoleonic wars, and later diversified the business to include stockbroking, foreign banking and bullion broking.[4]
Successive generations of the Raphael family moved into public share issues, raising loans for European governments, and transactions in American railway stocks in Europe. In 1890, Raphael's was a major contributor to the Bank of England fund to rescue Barings Bank.
The Raphael family finally severed links with the bank in 1983. Since 2004, the bank has been a subsidiary of Lenlyn Holdings Plc. ICE - International Currency Exchange is a sister company. The bank is sited in Piccadilly, London and at Walton Lodge, in Walton, Aylesbury a grade II listed building, part of Walton Terrace.
References
- ^ "Raphaels bank issues prepaid card for RAC customers". SourceWire news distribution. May 27, 2014.
- ^ "Raphaels Bank Regulatory Status". Financial Conduct Authority. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
- ^ "About us - A proud tradition of dedicated personal service and expertise". Raphaels Bank. Retrieved August 15, 2014.
- ^ "About Raphaels".